PSA: Our fave electric blanket is 50% off in Cyber Monday sales
With the cold and miserable weather pressing on, we're spending even more time on the sofa and in bed, getting cosy with a new read, a warming hot chocolate and this season's best investment - an electric blanket.
With two different styles of electric blanket to choose from and prices starting from around £30, an electric blanket is a no brainer when it comes to getting us through until the end of winter (and tbf this is the UK, it can still get pretty cold in spring). And with an electric blanket there's also the added bonus of saving on rapidly increasing heating bills. Most electric blankets cost just pennies per hour to run, so using one shouldn't cause any drama when your direct debit goes out.
Right now a bunch of our favourite blankets are currently discounted in the Cyber Monday sales for 2024, so now is the ideal time to invest in one.
If you're intrigued about investing in an electric blanket to create the ultimate cosy cocoon at home then this is everything you need to know about them and our favourites we've tested.
How do electric blankets work?
Electric blankets work by integrated electrical heating wires which have been woven into the fabric of your blanket. Electric blankets range in temperature, starting at around 18 degrees on the lowest temperature setting rising to 56 degrees in some electric blankets.
What are the types of electric blankets?
There are two types to choose from: those you wrap around yourself like a normal throw, and those that fit under your bed sheet, which warm up your bed.
Tend to run super-hot in bed? Invest in a blanket to snuggle up in. Always wake up freezing at 3AM? Then an under blanket will be your new best friend.
Can you leave an electric blanket on overnight?
Generally it's always safe to switch an electric blanket off before you fall asleep, unless your electric blanket has a specifically designed time control that will auto-switch off at a certain time. In all cases it's best to check your instruction manual when you buy your electric blanket.
How we tested our favourite electric blankets
Getting cosy is a team investment, and in order to find you the best of the best, we tried and tested a variety of electric blankets. We each tried out a blanket of our choosing depending on what our cosy needs where (some wanted a throw to use for movie night whilst others wanted it warm up their beds). After weeks of trying out the blankets we then shared what we liked and what could have been improved for each blanket.
Which electric blanket is for me?
Overwhelmed by the choice of blankets? Us too. Luckily we have tested a number of electric blankets to find our fave snugglers too, so you’ll be sure to find an electric blanket you can curl up with all winter long.
Here are some of our favourites:
Best faux fur blanket: StaySnug Faux Fur Heated Throw
Best dual electric blanket: Dreamland Sleep Tight Deluxe Fleecy Mattress Warmer
Best budget dual electric blanket: Silentnight Yours & Mine Dual Control Electric Blanket
Scroll on to take your cosiness to the next level…
StaySnug Faux Fur Heated Throw
"Get ready to snuggle up in the StaySnug Heated Throw! It's like wrapping yourself in a warm hug on a chilly night. Made with super-soft faux fur, this throw not only feels amazing but also adds a touch of chic to your home decor.
"The best feature is that you can just toss it in the washing machine at 30°C for easy cleaning – no fuss needed! Plus, it has nine heat settings, so you can find your perfect level of cosy in no time. I love using it as a bed runner in my home, however the controller is a bit bulky and can get in the way sometimes. But I loved that it had an auto shut-off feature, which is a lifesaver for forgetful people, like me.
"I wish the throw was slightly bigger, so I had some more snuggle space or I could share it with my boyfriend. It does take a bit longer to heat up compared to some other throws out there, but overall, if you want something cosy and stylish for your home, this throw is a winner."
Jaime Lee, Art Editor
Yours & Mine Dual Control Electric Blanket
"My boyfriend and I have polar opposite sleep requirements: he wants the room to be arctic temperatures and happily sleeps with the window wide open… despite the fact we live next door to a live music venue. I want to be warmer than a Greggs vegan sausage roll straight out of the oven and need. complete. silence. Whilst the Silent Night Yours & Mine Dual Control Blanket can’t block out the sound of local heavy metal bands doing their thing, it has (thankfully) helped us find a middle ground on the temperature front.
"Whilst my partner's side of the bed remains cold, I’m now happily toasty on mine – after waiting 30 minutes or so for the heat to filter through (disclaimer: I have my electric blanket under a thick mattress topper, so that may impact speed).
"Although I wish it was quicker to heat up my side of the bed and had an automatic off timer – as I’m low-key terrified of falling asleep and cremating myself – on the nights I’ve remembered to heat it up in advance the rewards have been lovely and blissfully snooze-inducing. It was also really easy to attach to the mattress thanks to elasticated straps attached to each corner of the blanket, akin to a fitted sheet."
Jennifer Savin, Features Editor
Teddy Fleece Electric Blanket Double
"As a bit of an electric blanket connoisseur, the idea of a thick, fluffy electric blanket was a right treat, it’s a definite upgrade from a standard, flat one. It’s so soft, it’s almost a shame it has to go under the sheet!
"I was a bit disappointed with the size, as the double one we got, for our standard double bed didn’t come close to the sides, sitting in the centre. It was a good three inches off each side, and about 15 inches off the bottom. I’d recommend purchasing a king size if you have a double bed, it’s only an extra £2!
"Tech-wise, it has three heat settings. If I’m being picky, I wish it went that tiny bit warmer, but overall I’m a fan. The material is so cosy, it’s like an added mattress topper, a nice touch. A proper bargain in my humble opinion."
Mared Parry, Former Acting Deputy Social Manager
Luxury Faux Fur Heated Throw Blanket
"I'm already an electric blanket devotee, so I was really keen to try out a heated throw to see if I could elevate my sofa experience to the same extreme cosiness as my bed. It was pretty intuitive to use but you do have to pay attention to both the timer and the heat setting. It's big enough to keep two of us cosy on the sofa and has become my ultimate desk companion, wrapping myself up in it, over my lap in my chair like an old lady.
"As it's visible unlike traditional electric blankets, I like that the throw is two-sided to you can either have the super soft beige faux fur, or the cream fleecy fabric, depending what goes better. Although I was not the biggest fan of the colour of the trim. It's not too noticeable after a while but I think at that price point that detail shouldn't have been overlooked. Overall I'm a big fan though."
Elena Chabo, former Beauty Writer
King Size Sleep Tight Deluxe Fleecy Mattress Warmer
"I’m a card-carrying electric blanket fan and Dreamland has always been my go-to brand for their easy to use, affordable offerings. This one comes in at a not unreasonable £71.91 (compare this with the painful thought of forking out for the central heating) and sits comfortably atop your mattress, under your bottom sheet.
"It’s easy to attach with fool proof elasticated corner straps and even easier to use, with clear controls offering four settings, from an all-night low heat (that shuts off automatically after nine hours) to toastier pre-heat settings, all warming up in just five mins. I was all about the fast pre-heat option, popping it on while I brushed my teeth and returning to a cosier than cosy bed warmed to the perfect temperature, but on cooler nights, I did wake up and switch it on setting one for a low-level warmth.
"The real selling point of this blanket is its ingenious couple-minded dual controls (any woman who sleeps next to a man knows the struggle of the male/female temperature battles!). The blanket comes with two controls, so you and your SO don’t have to argue over the perfect temperature – you can both sleep comfortably in your respective ideal climes.
"Downsides: the blanket is made from polyester so it’s not the most luxurious feeling, despite the name. Though it is by no means uncomfortable and its minimalistic style is a low-key addition to your bed."
Harriet Hall, Features Director
StaySnug Sherpa Electric Heated Throw Grey
"To my mum’s dismay, I have been a fan heater girl ever since I stepped foot into my second-year uni residency (IYKYK). And while the leccy blanket hype grew (and still continues to boom), I wasn’t convinced – that was, when I ignorantly thought they would cost an arm and a leg… ironic, I know.
"However, this sherpa number is the life-long companion I never knew I needed and now, my ride or die (not to mention that it’s actually saving me money in comparison to my bill-exhausting fan).
"It’s undoubtedly cosy, heats up super quickly and will always automatically turn off with its timer setting – so, no need to fret that you’ve left it on all night. All in all, I would *highly* recommend this affordable heated blanket as it does and has everything you could ever want from one! Though, to note: If you do want to size up, the cost does increase but that’s to be expected, right?"
Lia Mappoura, Beauty Writer
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